Potatoes are an important crop, especially in China, where they play a big role in food supply. China is the world’s largest potato producer, and potatoes are essential for food security because they produce higher yields compared to other staple crops. However, climate change is now a serious threat to potato farming. A research team led by molecular biologist Li Jieping in Beijing found that higher temperatures, predicted by the end of the century, could greatly reduce potato harvests. The team grew potatoes in northern China in a controlled environment where the temperature was 3°C higher than normal. They discovered that while the heat made the potatoes grow faster, it cut the harvest by more than half, which could harm global food security.

These findings are alarming. Rising temperatures are causing challenges like faster plant growth, more diseases, and smaller potato harvests. To tackle these issues, researchers are exploring new ideas, including aeroponic systems and heat-resistant potato varieties. Farmers are also being advised to plant earlier in the year or move to higher altitudes. Since temperatures could rise by up to 3.1°C by 2100, these changes are urgent to keep potato production steady. Without solutions, potato prices may rise, affecting both farmers and consumers worldwide.